Thanks to Top Energy workers

Thanks for their efforts during the recent storms, were expressed to the staff of Top Energy by Robin Shepherd, Chairman of the Top Energy Consumer Trust, at the Trust’s annual public meeting in Kaikohe on Tuesday night. The meeting is an annual event, for theTrust to report on the results of the previous financial year but Mr Shepherd wanted to record the appreciation of the trustees, on behalf of the power consumers of the Far North in relation to this recent storm.

Despite, in some cases, struggling without power for a number of days, the vast majority of consumers appreciated the long hours worked by the field crews and the atrocious conditions that they had to contend with. Gale force winds made the work especially difficult and potentially dangerous for the workers.

Mr Shepherd said “events like the recent storms show the commitment and skills that our staff have and we should be proud of them as they do this work. Unfortunately we don’t always express our appreciation and the trustees want to take this opportunity to do so, to all the staff. And we mustn’t forget all the other staff in support roles such as in the control room and on the phones, that also worked these long hours to service our customers.”

The information presented to the meeting relating to last financial year included reference to the storms which also affected the area during that year. The safety incidents that had occurred had also affected the Group’s performance. However, work has continued on the new resource consent applications to expand the existing 25MW power station at Ngawha by another 50MW. Those consents are expected to be lodged with the Councils within the next few months. Consultation is underway with affected parties at the present time.